Innovative
Pastel Methods
by Barb Pinc
Pastelbord is
a rigid panel with a delightful toothy surface that has allowed me a newfound
freedom when working with pastels. The sanded surface and absorbency of
the panel allow me to work wet or dry and to layer pigments endlessly,
creating rich and vibrant pastel paintings. The panel is available in
sand, grey, green and white. On the white-colored Pastelbord, my opportunities
for varying color are endless! Following are a few techniques you’ll
want to try on this great surface!
With
a pastel pencil, lightly sketch in the initial drawing. Next, mist the board
with water just enough to moisten the surface evenly to begin painting the
background. I use a cosmetic plastic spray bottle so that the misting is
done evenly. Pastel on the wet panel will create really exciting textures
for the background. After misting, I begin by laying in my background colors
of green. Remember to wipe the pastel first on a towel to make sure clean
even color is being applied.
When
laying in my background colors I also use a shaving technique to add depth
and texture to the background. For example, for a glistening effect, I shaved
the edge of a metallic color with a razor over the initial background colors.
I allowed the pastel dust to settle onto the surface and then I began my
wet techniques. Because pastelbord is a rigid, yet porous surface, you can
use water without the fear of buckling or ruining your "paper".
After applying the pastels, use a 3/4" angle brush with water to blend
them as if painting with watercolors. A very soft and airy background can
be created using this technique. You can also use a wet brush to lift off
color in areas that have gotten too dark. Just remember to have an old towel
to wipe your brush as you lift the color off the Pastelbord.
While
working, keep shaving more colors over the initial background and then misting
them with water to soften. Use the mist water bottle along with your watercolor
brush to blend colors. This technique helps you create depth of field and
provides your basic shapes, forms, and color for your piece. At this stage
I also use a flat chisel Colour Shaper to pat down lumps of pastels for
varying thickness of pigments. Wipe the shaper or the brush you are using
frequently to prevent the painting from getting muddy.
Continue
using this shaving and layering technique for the leaves, the dark areas
of the road, and weeds. Also, to lift color, use a wet brush to lift and
then wipe on a towel and repeat until the color has been partially or
completely lifted. This is a wonderful technique for bringing back light
into your painting when doing landscapes, wooded areas, shrubs, etc. The
light will appear natural, almost as if it peeking through the leaves
of the trees. For the final touches, use pastel pencils for fine details
and where harder edges are needed for volume.
5) Finishing
the Piece
Sealing pastels with a fixative tends to deaden pastel colors,
so I don’t recommend it. Frame the finished artwork behind glass
with a spacer.
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